Developed in partnership with international recycling leader TerraCycle, Kroger's new platform enables customers to recycle a wide range of flexible packaging not currently accepted in curbside recycling programmes, including produce bags, bread bags and plastic overwrap from household items like tissues and bottled water. The Simple Truth Recycling Programme marks another significant milestone for Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan and establishes Kroger as the first Fortune 25 retailer to offer a free recycling programme for its own private-label brand. 

“A key part of achieving our ambitious Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision is offering our customers innovative solutions to recycle and reuse product packaging,” said Keith Dailey, group vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer. “We're thrilled to partner with TerraCycle to launch our new Simple Truth Recycling Programme, supporting our sustainable packaging goals and enabling Kroger customers to recycle their favorite Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic products without ever leaving home.”

The Simple Truth Recycling Programme is currently open to individuals, schools, offices and community organizations across the U.S. The Simple Truth portfolio includes more than 2,000 natural and organic products, with hundreds of new items launching each year.

By the end of 2019, Kroger reduced the amount of plastic resin in Our Brands packaging by 10.1 million pounds, achieving its goal to reduce by 10 million pounds ahead of schedule, as per the statement.

"While packaging is important for preserving product quality, freshness and integrity, we also recognise the negative impact packaging—especially plastic varieties—can have on the environment. As we continue to drive progress toward our current 2020 sustainability commitments, we're laser-focused on reducing unnecessary packaging from our enterprise, reusing where we can and striving for more sustainable packaging across our private-label portfolio," Dailey noted.

"Thanks to companies like The Kroger Co. and their popular Simple Truth product line, consumers can enjoy their favorite foods while being rewarded for doing the right thing," said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle founder and CEO. "As the first major retailer to create a free recycling program for their own private-label brand, Kroger is offering consumers the opportunity to divert packaging from landfills and make a positive impact on the environment for future generations."